Menopause is ovarian failure. The ovaries lose the ability to produce estrogen, progesterone and testosterone. Estrogen and progesterone fall to nearly undetectable levels. Some testosterone production is taken over by the adrenal glands, so that blood levels in some women are maintained.
Menopause occurs at the average age of 51. Stress, illness and certain...

One unquestioned benefit of hormone replacement is the preservation and restoration of bone density. In our experience, it is possible for most patients to raise bone density without bisphosphonates (Fosamax, Boniva, Actonel, Zometa), with the use of specific supplements and hormones. Both estrogen and testosterone improve bone density. Higher doses have greater effect,...

Testosterone is the primary male hormone. There are enormous consequences of testosterone deficiency or excess on energy, libido, physical and mental condition and performance.
There is a gradual decline in the production of testosterone, about 1-2% per year, beginning in the 30s or 40s, and continuing into older age. Testosterone depletion results from the combined...

Bioidentical hormones have the same chemical structure as hormones produced in the human body. There have been many studies demonstrating their safety. At this time, with the ready availability of bioidentical hormones, there is no reason to use non-human formulations. There is a track record of benefit and safety for women taking controlled doses of these hormones, in carefully selected formulations, under medical supervision. Horse hormones and progestins for hormone replacement should become obsolete. Patient demand will make this happen.

We see many people in their 50s, 60s, 70s and 80s who attribute their symptoms to aging. This idea may come from their physicians, who, in glib response to their questions about the origin of symptoms, respond “What do you expect? You’re 70 years old.”

Hormones interact with each other. Changes in one hormone invariably affect the activity of other hormones. For instance, testosterone is converted in fatty tissue to estrogen, and the administration of testosterone increases estrogen levels as well. In addition, the symptoms of different hormone deficiencies overlap. Fatigue, for instance, may be a manifestation of deficiency of estrogen, testosterone, thyroid hormone, or cortisol, or of several of them at the same time.